Crapemyrtle: The Lilac of the South

Native to china and Korea, the common crapemyrtle is traditionally a pink flowering shrub, however it has grown in popularity so much so that the number of cultivars it is available in is enormous, with options ranging from size, flower color, disease resistance and cold hardiness. It earned the nickname the “lilac of the South” because of its presence adorning yards all across the south. Its attractive flowers and hardiness to the heat make it amongst the top shrubs suited for the southern region.

Here are a few things to note if you’re considering adding one to your yard.

Environmental Conditions

• Grows well in acidic, alkaline, moist and well drained soils. Is also drought tolerant (hardiness zones 7-10)
• Fast growing tree, growing up to three feet a year and reaching 15-25 feet at maturity.
• Does best in full sun, with at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.

Physical Attributes

• Blooms pink flowers in the late spring to early summer.
• Crapemyrtle is a shrub, but can be pruned into a tree.
• Grows in a multi-stemmed formation and has an attractive bark.

Tag us in a photo of your crapemyrtle!